This book has already been released prior but has been updated and w a discreet cover. This is the second book in the Benevolence series.
If small towns, romance then grab your comfy blanket and settle in. You will laugh and cry. With Aldo and Gloria.

I love a great Lucy Score story! I know that there will be humor and love throughout. Finally Mine had me from the first page to last.

I can’t wait to read more by Lucy Score!

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

This was a DNF for me. I just couldn't continue to read a novel where the character was abused and no one stepped in to help. I am not sure how the story unfolded after that, it just wasn't something that I could sit back and continue to read.

The details of Gloria's life under her abusive ex are sickening and that nobody helped her is a disgrace. Chief of the disgraced is the "hero" who sat back and did nothing along with everybody else. He muses about having tried once but there's no details so we have no idea what pissant thing he thinks he did but it's pretty obvious he didn't put much heart or thought into it. Abuse is a tricky topic because the psychology of the abused becomes twisted and I get that. But Score didn't do her story any favors having Aldo sideline himself all those years and withhold any details of what little he might have tried to do. What he didn't do, obviously, is research, investigate, or reach out in any way whatsoever. And that doesn't speak of true attachment, let alone the love that's being sold here.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. I really enjoyed other books by Lucy Sore but his one was not as good. The characters were very well done and likable. The story itself was a bit unbelievable. Overall a good read.

I love Lucy Score! While this wasn’t my favorite of hers, I’m thankful to NetGalley for the arc. I think Lucy’s writing has gotten better and better with time!

Unfortunately I wasn't a fan of this one either - definitely one of her earlier novels and the writing/dialogue just wasn't great... .sort of problematic TBH. I love her but will stick to her earlier works.

"Pretend You're Mine" by Lucy Score is a delightful and heartwarming romance novel that skillfully combines fake dating with genuine emotions, creating a story that's both sweet and steamy. This book is a perfect escape into a world of small-town charm, relatable characters, and the power of love to heal and transform.

The story revolves around Luke Garrison, a strong, brooding National Guard member about to be deployed, and Harper, a woman who's been on the move, searching for a place to call home. When their paths unexpectedly cross, Luke hatches a plan to use Harper as a decoy, a fake girlfriend to fend off his family's well-intentioned meddling during his deployment. What begins as a pretend relationship quickly evolves into something much deeper as the two characters discover an undeniable chemistry and a shared desire for love and connection.

Lucy Score's writing is engaging and filled with witty banter that adds humor and charm to the story. Luke and Harper are both endearing characters with their own vulnerabilities and past traumas, making them relatable and easy to root for. Luke's protective nature and Harper's resilience create a perfect balance in their relationship, and their journey from strangers to lovers is beautifully portrayed.

What sets "Pretend You're Mine" apart is the emotional depth and authenticity of the characters' experiences. Both Luke and Harper carry scars from their pasts, and their individual growth and healing add layers of complexity to the story. The author handles their personal challenges with sensitivity and grace, highlighting the power of love and acceptance in overcoming obstacles.

The small-town setting adds a cozy and welcoming backdrop to the romance, and the secondary characters, including Luke's family and friends, contribute to the warmth and community spirit of the narrative. The book captures the essence of a tight-knit town where everyone knows each other's business, but also looks out for one another.

As the fake relationship starts to feel all too real, the sexual tension between Luke and Harper sizzles, leading to steamy and passionate moments that will leave readers breathless. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their love story is both heartwarming and intensely satisfying.

In conclusion, "Pretend You're Mine" is a feel-good romance that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a smile on your face. Lucy Score has crafted a story that combines the charm of small-town life with the power of love to heal and transform. It's a tale of second chances, trust, and the beauty of finding home in the arms of someone you never expected. If you're a fan of contemporary romance with genuine emotions and a dash of humor, this book is a must-read.




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Write a book review on "Finally Mine" by Lucy Score. Book description: From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Things We Never Got Over

If he doesn't end up naked and spread eagle on my bed I. Will. Die.

Gloria is due a happily ever after. She's lost ten years to a toxic, dangerous relationship. Now that she's finally free—and medicating with makeovers and margaritas in her mother's kitchen—she has a long road ahead of her remembering who she really is. She's scarred. But scarred doesn't mean broken.

While Gloria's deciding to take the next decade off from men, along comes larger-than-life, hometown hero Aldo Moretta. He's saying all the right things and flirting in all the right ways. He's deploying for six months and wants a date...with Gloria...when he comes back. Swoon. Panic.

One kiss, one dazzling, remember-for-a-lifetime kiss and he's gone. But life and happily ever afters don't always take the straight path. When Aldo's deployment is cut short by an injury, it's up to Gloria to be the hero for them both.

Author's Note: You will laugh, cry, and fall head over face for Gloria and Aldo. And the evil rescue kitten. Also the four-letter-word-loving, commando-going Mrs. Moretta who's just in it for the cookies.
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"Finally Mine" by Lucy Score is an emotionally charged, heartwarming, and delightfully quirky romance novel that explores the themes of healing, second chances, and the unexpected paths that love can take. With its relatable characters, witty humor, and touching moments, this book is a delightful escape into the world of love and self-discovery.

The story revolves around Gloria, a woman who has endured a toxic and damaging relationship for far too long. Finally free, she embarks on a journey to reclaim her identity, all while indulging in makeovers and margaritas in her mother's kitchen. Gloria is a character readers can't help but empathize with, as she struggles to heal from the scars of her past and find her way back to herself.

Enter Aldo Moretta, the larger-than-life hometown hero, whose charismatic presence and undeniable charm capture Gloria's attention. Their interactions are filled with humor, chemistry, and moments that will make your heart skip a beat. The slow-burning romance between Gloria and Aldo is beautifully portrayed, and it's impossible not to root for their love story.

Lucy Score's writing is witty and engaging, with a perfect balance of humor and emotion. The dialogue is sharp, and the banter between the characters adds depth and authenticity to their relationships. Gloria's journey of self-discovery is both relatable and empowering, and her transformation is inspiring to witness.

One of the standout elements of the book is the supporting cast of characters, including Mrs. Moretta, a four-letter-word-loving, commando-going force of nature. These characters add depth and humor to the story, making it feel like a vibrant and close-knit community.

As the story unfolds, unexpected twists and challenges arise, testing Gloria and Aldo's relationship. The way they navigate these obstacles showcases their growth as individuals and the strength of their connection. The author skillfully explores the complexities of love and the idea that sometimes, happily ever after takes a winding and unconventional path.

"Finally Mine" is a rollercoaster of emotions, offering moments of laughter, tears, and heartwarming satisfaction. It's a story of redemption and resilience, reminding us that it's never too late to reclaim our happiness and find love in unexpected places.

In conclusion, Lucy Score's "Finally Mine" is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance who appreciate well-drawn characters, witty dialogue, and a heartfelt journey of self-discovery. This book is a testament to the power of love to heal and transform, and it will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.

This is the second novel in the Benevolence series by Lucy Score, and while it is the same timeline as the first one, we get a peak into two totally different characters, Gloria Parker and Aldo Moretta. I found this book to be a little more heartfelt and not as steamy as the first one and I felt like we certainly got more character development. The author did a fantastic job of humanizing Gloria, allowing the reader to feel for her related to her history of abuse from her partner. I felt the same about Aldo as well, it felt like the reader was taken along on his struggle following his war time accident that left him wounded inside and out. I appreciated the character arcs and loved to see how it all worked out.

I enjoyed the story, however it did seem strange that we kind of peaked in and out of the first story more than I thought that the reader would. In saying that, however I realize that it made this a book that could have been read as a standalone novel. Some parts of the book seemed to drag on continuously, and I got a bit bored in the middle, but it did pick up in the end. I feel like maybe I enjoyed the first one a bit more but that might have just been a personal preference. Overall, I'm glad I got to experience Gloria and Aldo's story.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

This book is the second book in an interconnected series, it can be read as a standalone, but the characters are introduced in the first book pretend your mine. The timeline is also the same, so you get to see some of the characters from a different point of view, which is something I enjoyed. This book follows Aldo and Gloria.

Aldo has been pining for Gloria for as long as he can remember but she has always been in a relationship. Gloria finally breaks free of her very toxic abusive relationship and is working on getting over the trauma of that relationship. Aldo finally sees his change at showing Gloria the kind of man she deserves but life gets in the way and after being severely hurt during combat he comes back to town a different man. They both had to work through issues on their own in order to build a future together. The side characters kept the book funny while still having the emotional part of the story. Add in some spice and this was can't put down read for me.

I adore Lucy Score, but this series was just not it for me. So much cringe, and it was really hard to believe in the insta-love. Not to mention, the series of events in this series just seemed super unrealistic.

Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to download to this title before the story archived on the website. Therefore, I am unable to provide a complete review of the novel itself. My most sincere apologies to both NetGalley and the publisher for this oversight. Please know my star rating has nothing to do with the content of the novel, but only because I have to choose a star rating to submit this feedback.

We are back in Benevolence and this time we are learning Gloria and Aldo's story. This is my second book by Lucy Score. I first read Pretend You're Mine and was introduced to Benevolence. I usually love book series. However, this was literally the same book as book 1. Sure it was from Gloria's point of view but it started and ended the same way as book 1. This was a fail for me. I almost didn't finish it. I just think there is a better way to do a series than re-writing the same story for a different point of view. I can't say that I would recommend reading past book 1. Book 1 was interesting and I really liked the story. Book 2 just seems like a waste of time. Sorry. A special thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, NetGalley, and Lucy Score for the opportunity to read these books. 3 stars for me.

I dnf'd the first one, I definitely couldn't do this one. sorry, i just can't. kudos to those who like this tho.

I did not finish this one, it was not for me, I couldn't relate to the characters, and just did not care for the story.

Beautiful story! In depth characters with a great setting. Lucy Score always delivers a mix of emotion and heart wrenching plot that leaves you on a roller coaster of feelings.

My girl Lucy NEVER disappoints. She is my ALL time favorite romance author and always delivers when I need her to!

I truly love Aldo and Gloria! It’s was cool to see the same timeline as Pretend You’re Mine but from other characters. Please check out the triggers before diving into this book! I have really enjoyed this series so far and highly recommend!
I would also like to thank NetGalley for an ARC of Finally Mine by Lucy Score.

DNF’s are something that I try to avoid at all costs, but I just can’t stick this one out.

Gloria has been abused by her partner for years. Our hero Aldo is in love with her, but he refuses to do anything to stop the abuse, since he believe that Gloria is not his to save. This is a military romance, and soldiers step up for those that can’t help themselves. I can’t complete how Aldo can be a hero, but not be there for the woman he loves.

I love Lucy Score, and will continue to buy her novels, but this one isn’t for me. Thank you to NetGalley for this copy in exchange for my honest review.

After DNFing my first Lucy Score book, and feeling just so-so about my second, I was pleasantly surprised to find I liked Finally Yours considerably more than Pretend You’re Mine.

This was a sweet story. Aldo has had a thing for Gloria for over ten years, but she had been with an abusive boyfriend since high school. Now that Gloria has finally found the strength to leave that relationship, Aldo is ready to make his move.

You know what is one of my favorite things in a romance story? A hero who is willing to play the long game to get the girl. Not wanting to move things too quickly, Aldo tells Gloria they’ll just be friends until he comes back from his six-month deployment. However, he ends up coming home a lot sooner than anticipated due to a serious injury. And then of course he pushes Gloria away…

As with the other two Lucy Score books I’ve read (one of which I actually finished), I think these books are too long. I’m not afraid of long books, but there are too many inane details, too many day-to-day things that (I feel) don’t do anything to move the story forward. In this book, we also got a retelling of several events that took place in the first book - which is great if you didn’t read the first book, but felt repetitive for those of us who did and dramatically slowed the pace.

Lucy Score is one of those authors I feel like I’m supposed to like - she’s immensely popular on Bookstagram and Tik Tok. But I think she’s an author that may just not be for me.

* thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review